Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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Eduard Releases Bf 109K-4 Model Kit With PE, Masks, Six Liveries

Among Eduard’s September new releases is this ProfiPACK edition Bf 109K-4 model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Bf 109K-4 “Kurfürst” was the final mass‑produced 109 variant, entering service in late 1944 as a high‑altitude interceptor powered by the DB 605 DB/DC engine with MW 50 injection, which pushed its top speed to around 710 km/h (440 mph) at roughly 7,500 m. It carried a 30 mm MK 108 Motorkanone and two 13 mm MG 131 nose guns, and featured a pressurized cockpit, retractable tailwheel, and the taller Erla canopy, making it the fastest and most developed 109, though it arrived too late and in too few numbers to alter the air war.

The offering (70166) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for six aircraft.

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Inspiring New Guide Models the A6M Zero in Various Kits and Scales

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Steven ‘Grizzly’ Desmet is Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Mitsubishi A6M Zero

Here we will build the iconic Second World War Japanese propeller plane, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, in four different scales and types, using a range of modelling brands including Eduard, ICM, Tamiya and Hasegawa. Additional options, either by scratchbuilding or using aftermarket pieces, are elaborately explained throughout the building process. For modellers of every age and skill level, this is a book to guide and inspire—a manual for creating something to make you proud.

The 160 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30. Similar guides focus on the Spitfire, Pfalz D.III and BAC Lightning.

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Modeling the Spitfire: An Essential Guide for Modelers of All Levels of Proficiency

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author John Fenton is Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Supermarine Spitfire, which details how to model three different variants of this fascinating aircraft using kits from different manufacturers in three scales.

The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the twentieth century. Having served in every theatre of the Second World War, its sleek design, exceptional performance, and central role have cemented its place in the hearts and minds of modellers and aviation enthusiasts alike.

…Utilising the very latest modelling products and techniques, Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Supermarine Spitfire takes you on a deep dive into how to create your very own Spitfire masterpiece. Highly detailed step-by-step guides are provided on construction, painting and weathering techniques, as well as complete guides on how to create beautiful airfield dioramas, with advice on composition, the use of terrain, and figure painting. From the elementary—such as preparing plastic parts and avoiding pitfalls—to the advanced—such as using resin and photo etching to add detail—this book is an essential guide for modellers of all levels of proficiency and will hopefully serve as inspiration to get building!

The 232 page, paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30. Similar guides focus on the A6M Zero, Pfalz D.III and BAC Lightning.

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Eduard Releases Limited Edition, Dual Combo “Sharks and Stallions” P-40 / P-51 Kit

Among Eduard’s new September releases is a limited edition, dual combo “Sharks and Stallions” P-40N Warhawk and P-51B/C Mustang kit in 1/48 scale.

The new kit focuses on aircraft from the China, Barma and India Theater. In the CBI Theater, the P-40N Warhawk was a rugged, widely used fighter for escort, interception, reconnaissance, and low-level attacks against Japanese forces and supply routes. The later-arriving P-51B/C Mustang brought much greater speed, altitude capability, and range, allowing it to conduct long-range bomber escort and offensive sweeps over Burma and China as Allied operations expanded in 1944–45.

The offering (11200) features Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for 8 aircraft (four each).

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Spitfires over Tokyo: Commonwealth Air Forces in Japan 1945–1948

Coming soon from Fonthill and author Simon Gifford is Spitfires over Tokyo: Commonwealth Air Forces in Japan 1945–1948.

In the spring of 1946, the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Indian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force dispatched aircraft and men to form the air element of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force of Japan. Equipped with Spitfire XIVs, P51D Mustangs and FG-1D Corsairs, seven squadrons of fighter aircraft spent the next two years backing up the American forces in the successful disarmament of Japan and the country’s transition to a democratic nation. Supporting the fighters were RAF, RAAF, RNZAF Dakotas, which flew numerous sorties linking the forces in Japan to Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. Other aircraft flown in Japan included Austers, Ansons, Harvards and Wirraways.

Spitfires over Tokyo: Commonwealth Air Forces in Japan 1945–1948 traces the formation of the occupation force, including the formation of the Spitfire squadrons in India, through their helping liberate Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong, and on to their final disbandment in Japan and the end of occupation duties in 1948. Profusely illustrated with photos of all of the aircraft flown in Japan, the majority of which have not been published previously, the book offers an illuminating window on a little-known area of post-war aviation history.

The 264 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30, 2027.

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Eduard Releases 1/48 ProfiPACK A6M2 Zero Type 21 Model Kit

Among Eduard’s new September releases is a ProfiPACK Edition A6M2 Zero Type 21 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 21 Zero was Japan’s leading carrier fighter early in the Pacific War. Introduced in 1940, it was exceptionally agile, long-ranged, and heavily armed for its day, with folding wingtips for carrier storage. Its lack of armor and self-sealing fuel tanks, however, later made it increasingly vulnerable to improved Allied fighters and tactics.

The “new” offering (82212) includes Eduard plastic parts pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for five aircraft. It appears to be unspecified whether this is a new boxing or simply a reissue.

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Interceptor! Spitfires to Foxbats: The Story of the World’s Finest Pursuit Aircraft

Coming soon from Key Publishing Ltd and author David Baker is Interceptor! Spitfires to Foxbats: The fastest chase planes with seconds to launch, which celebrates the fastest, most aggressive fighter aircraft ever built – the interceptors.

These are the aircraft designed to launch quickly, climb fast and catch intruders before they could strike – from Cold War nuclear bombers to modern cruise missiles. From the elegant Spitfire Mk XIV and the brutal MiG-25 Foxbat to the F-106 Delta Dart and F-14 Tomcat, this title tells the story of the world’s finest pursuit machines – how they were developed, how they flew, and how they fought.

The 116 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 10.

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Cavanaugh Flight Museum Shares Progress Report on CASA 2.111E Restoration

Cavanaugh Flight Museum has provided an update on their 1950 CASA 2.111E one year after the aircraft was transported to Ezell Aviation of Breckenridge, Texas for restoration.

For those that may not know, the Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA CASA 2.111E is a Spanish license built German Heinkel HE-111. More than 200 2.111s were built. The museum’s CASA served in the Spanish Air Force and was featured in the 1969 movie ‘Battle of Britain’ and the 1970 movie ‘Patton.’ The museum acquired this CASA in 1995.

Work done so far is described as “impressive” with the aircraft being completely disassembled and the fuselage separated into three sections for inspection, repair and priming. All cockpit components have been removed for inspection, repair or rebuilding. A new instrument panel is in the process of being crafted which will house gauges for the Packard built Merlin engines that will replace the machine’s previous Roll-Royce 500-45 engines.

An 18′ tall jig has been made to mount the wings so they can be stripped and inspected. A smaller jig was also made for the stabilizers. As of this writing the right stabilizer has been completed and the left one is underway. In addition, the center section has also been stripped and repaired. New wing spars have also been fabricated. Work on the main landing gear struts and tail gear have been completed.

Currently the aircraft is expected to return to flight around 2029-30. Click below to check out the complete update along with photos of the progress.

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MiniArt to Release Fw 190D-9 Basic Model Kit With Distinctive JV 44 Liveries

Coming soon from MiniArt is a Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 JV 44 “Sachsenberg Schwarm” basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Fw 190D-9 “Doras” of JV 44’s Sachsenberg Schwarm, led by Lt. Heinz Sachsenberg, protected Adolf Galland’s Me 262 jets during their vulnerable takeoffs and landings in the final weeks of World War II. Operating from München-Riem and Ainring in spring 1945, these aircraft were marked with striking red undersides and white stripes for rapid recognition by German anti-aircraft defenses—making them among the Luftwaffe’s most famous late-war fighters.

The upcoming kit (48045) is described as “highly detailed” with realistic metal surfaces and panel details. Two marking options will also be included representing “Red 1” flown by Lt. Heinz “Heino” Sachsenberg and “Red 3” flown by Hptm. Waldemar Wubke. Check out kit contents and livery profiles below.

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Arma Hobby Releases “Next Generation” P-51D Mustang VLR Kit

Arma Hobby recently released their new P-51D Mustang “Very Long Range” (VLR) model kit in 1/72 scale.

P-51D Mustang VLR was a late-war version of the famous American fighter adapted for Very Long Range missions. Aircraft of this type operated from Iwo Jima, escorting Boeing B-29 Superfortress bombers over Japan and carrying out long-range strike missions.

As previously reported, the kit (70073) is described as a “modern next-generation Arma Hobby kit” and a “highly accurate” representation. It features an additional VLR sprue with Pacific-specific equipment: 110-gallon underwing drop tanks, 150-gallon streamlined drop tanks from the P-38 Lightning, and rockets for strike missions. Additional features include a detailed cockpit, canopy masks and high-quality Cartograf decals with marking options for two aircraft: “Snortin’ Phyllie” (1st Lt. Herb Straughn, 531st Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group) and “Little One” (1st Lt. Francis J. Pilecki, 458th Fighter Squadron, 506th Fighter Group). The kit also features a free 3D file with seat with harness, exhaust pipes, and gun barrels.

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